£200,000 bill for policing protests over Scout hut in Thurnby Lodge, Leicester
Police have spent £200,000 supervising protests against plans to turn a disused Scout hut into a community centre.
The cost of the operation in Thurnby Lodge, Leicester, is rising daily as discussions continue to resolve the building's future.
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Police and protesters in Thurnby Lodge, Leicester, last month
Officers from city stations and as far afield as Hinckley and Coalville have had to be redeployed from their normal duties to oversee regular protests – occasionally lasting late into the night – against a plan by the Muslim group As-Salaam Trust to convert the Nursery Road building into a community centre.
The protests, which began early last month, have taken place outside the nearby community centre in Thurncourt Road, where members of As-Salaam have been meeting for the past two-and-a-half years.
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The Leicester Mercury has learned that the operation cost the force £180,000 in August.
A source has confirmed it is now edging toward £200,000, including overtime payments.
The source said: "£200,000 is a big hit, especially in these times of tightened budgets.
"But we can't turn our backs and say 'sorry, we can't justify the cost of this any more'.
"If something did go wrong and we weren't there, we'd be slated – and rightly so.
"I hope a solution is found soon."
Up to 60 officers have been sent to cover the largest protests, one of which drew up to 400 people.
On quieter evenings, between 20 and 30 police, with senior officers to supervise, have been sent. Officers were present at the weekend, though no formal protests were taking place.
The impact on the force has been intensified by its commitment to send officers to help with the security operation at the Olympic Games.
An officer who has been involved in the Thurnby Lodge operation said: "This is what we do.
"We are here to protect the public and to prevent disorder, but people need to bear in mind this is taking officers away from their duties elsewhere."
The city council said it was working with a newly founded residents' group, the Forgotten Estate Committee, to improve facilities.
Some residents have said they would prefer the Scout hut to be developed for the wider community, with many supporting a proposal to turn it into a boxing club and community gym.
They are also concerned about extra traffic the building might create if it became a community centre.
Assistant city mayor Sarah Russell said: "It is right the police are there to facilitate protests but there is a cost.
"We are continuing discussions to try to find a suitable alternative for As-Salaam.
"We're also working hard with the residents' committee.
"We're helping them secure funding and offering other practical support."
Maxine Williams, manager of the Stirrup Cup pub on the estate, has been helping to organise the protests and is a member of the new residents' group.
She said: "We still have between a dozen and 50 people gathering every day and we are holding a march every Friday.
"It is a lot of money but we are being listened to now, although there has been no resolution."
Last month, As-Salaam's imam, Mohammed Lockhat, said: "We are negotiating with the council. We live in Thurnby Lodge and we would not want to have to travel far to pray."
Comments
by leicester
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 8:56PM
“Lets have one of count von count petes open debates on this issue .Maybe as open as his "open debate" on stuffing gipsys into Birstall.
Have a look at http:/tinyurl.com/8g5z6nd
Watch it all ,just to see who represents us !”
by prog_rock_fan
Sunday, September 16 2012, 1:03PM
“@deadsheep: There's a pig on this thread, all right.”
by leicester
Sunday, September 16 2012, 12:36PM
“If anyone wants to see how this bunch of Muppets ,aka councilors, represent their community should go to http:/tinyurl.com/8g5z6nd and see how the stuffing of gipsy sites onto Birstall was debated in one of count von count pete's "open meeting".The issue is a few minutes in.But just to watch the nose picking,itchy scratchy clowns is worth watching.Meeting was so open that 36 people could attend !”
by Littleearth
Thursday, September 13 2012, 6:20PM
“Cazshaw,
Are you suggesting I am EdL?
I really wouldn't consider you as 'neutral' if that was the case you wouldn't be insulting anyone. You do not discuss anything, you shout people down with derogatory remarks.
If you are open to discussion then let's have one...
Do you think that this location is suitable As-salaam?
Do you think the councils process regarding this property has been transparent?
Why shouldn't the community fight to keep a building that they originally paid for?
What is the urgency for this group to have their own premises?
Why can't the property be owned by the community and open to all including As-salaam?
I would really like to hear your opinions and have a CIVILISED discussion. You are obviously for this group to get the premises, I'd personally like to hear what you have to say WITHOUT the nasty comments.”
by cazshaw
Thursday, September 13 2012, 5:39PM
“little earth
i as a neutral say what i see. whats wrong with that
i am open to debate and discussion even with those from the EDL”
by iyartah
Thursday, September 13 2012, 4:09PM
“lesleyvann...oops sorry was i to bold with what i said lol......well who feels it knows it, i feel it and know it....lets not forget the amount of traffic this will cause...on my way back from work i see cars parked on pavements any how, i see kids just running into the roads without looking left or right in fear of being late for prayers, i then see road blocks because cars are stopped in the middle of the roads as drop of points. And you cant say anything to them because you then get a whole lot of verbal abuse.....very wrong and strong.
Highfields alone has 12, the last time we counted, as well as the primary and secondary schools that are being used in the area....Evington rd has a massive one, (that i have seen on a postcard representing Leicester)along with other schools and centers used within the area.....Green lane road has a massive one, again along with other schools and even a church has been used for their prayers......so my question remains the same....why do they feel that another venue is needed?...why can you not just get the car or use public transport, there are so many places of worship for them to choose from, just like you see the elderly either catch the bus or get a lift to church...whats the difference....we cant have it all on our doorstep and still want more”
by lesleyvann
Thursday, September 13 2012, 3:45PM
“OOOOPS SORRY I MENTION THE WORD”
by iyartah
Thursday, September 13 2012, 3:07PM
“i dont live in thurnby im more inner city, and for me this whole debate is selfish, from evington road to Humberstone road there are enough mosque and praying places for them to go to, i feel that there is far to much and you can see that it is just pure greed on their part and i cannot see why they need more....i do not like the way that they feel they can just come and take what they want and if any other race or religion says anything it becomes a big thing.....Well done to the residents of Thurnby i really hope and pray that they dont get the building, so that it can be put to good use for those who really need it.....i am suprised that leicester is not in the Guinness book of records.”
by Jagomeister
Thursday, September 13 2012, 1:02PM
“Send in Michael Leverton. Problem solved.”
by Littleearth
Thursday, September 13 2012, 10:17AM
“Cazshaw
Why do you always result to these kind of insults? If anyone is stirring up hate i can honestly say that it would be you. The residents have a right to have a say about what goes on in their community. You as you stated do not live here so how exactly does this effect you???
You are obviously bored and filled with hate wanting a reaction to your sad comments. From what i can see on here there has been no derogatory remarks to As-salaam only the council. Yet you result to insulting the residents of Thurnby Lodge.
PATHETIC!!! please everyone this cazshaw is obviously an internet troll.”